National Engineers Week Spotlight: Shawn Tang on Designing Streets That Move Lives

As we celebrate National Engineers Week, we’re proud to kick off our first spotlight by featuring Shawn Tang - PE, PTOE, Project Manager – Traffic Engineering, whose work quietly shapes how people experience their cities every day. With over two decades of experience in the engineering industry, Shawn brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to traffic engineering—one that prioritizes safety, mobility, sustainability, and community impact.

In this spotlight, Shawn shares insights from his career, the projects that have meant the most to him, and advice for the next generation of engineers.

How many years have you been working in the engineering industry?

"Over two decades."

For Shawn, those years represent more than time spent in the profession—they reflect a career built on continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to improving everyday life through thoughtful engineering.

What is the proudest project you have ever worked on?

“My proudest project wasn’t necessarily the largest interchange or the most complex signal system; it was the West Main Street Corridor Development in Downtown Patchogue, completed more than 10 years ago. The project transformed a high‑speed, intimidating roadway into a safer, more welcoming corridor through improved sidewalk connections, new bike racks, enhanced exterior lighting, and the development of a new green space. Seeing the street evolve into a place where children could bike safely and local businesses could thrive made the work especially meaningful.”

This project captures what motivates Shawn most—engineering solutions that create safer, more welcoming spaces while strengthening the fabric of a community.

How does your work improve safety, mobility, communities, or sustainability?

“I like to think of traffic engineering as the invisible heartbeat of a city. As traffic engineers, when we do our job well, people don’t notice it—they just get home five minutes earlier to see their families (mobility), or they feel instinctively safe traveling at night (safety). By optimizing signal timing, we reduce idling and emissions (sustainability), and by calming traffic, we reclaim neighborhoods for the people who live there. We aren’t just moving cars; we are moving lives.”

Shawn’s perspective highlights how thoughtful design decisions can have ripple effects across daily routines, environmental outcomes, and overall quality of life.

What’s a skill you use daily that people don’t realize is engineering?

“Most people assume engineering is about finding the one ‘perfect’ answer. In reality, it’s the art of the optimal compromise. We work in a world of limited budgets, finite space, and competing priorities. My job very often is to find the elegant middle ground where safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness meet.”

This balance—technical, practical, and human—is at the core of Shawn’s day-to-day work as a traffic engineer.

What would you tell someone considering engineering (or early in their career)?

“I’d tell them that engineering is more of a team-based profession. You will never be alone in your challenges; you’ll be surrounded by mentors and peers eager to collaborate and share knowledge. While the math is important, your greatest impact will come from your ability to listen to a community’s needs and use your skills for the common good—ensuring that every person, regardless of how they travel, can get home safely.”

Celebrating Engineers Who Make a Difference

As a Project Manager – Traffic Engineering, Shawn Tang - PE, PTOE exemplifies how engineering excellence and empathy can work hand in hand. His career is a reminder that behind every well-timed signal and redesigned street is an engineer dedicated to making communities safer, more efficient, and more livable.

This National Engineers Week, we’re proud to spotlight Shawn and the many engineers whose work improves lives—often without anyone ever noticing.